Gurinder Chada’s film “Bend it Like Beckham” chronicles a young woman’s struggle with her parents, herself and her society. It is a coming-of-age film with a well-orchestrated cast and smart script that lives up to some of the highest in its genre and is related with enthusiasm and joy for all of its characters.
Set in London, the movie relates the story of Jess Bahmra (Parminder Nagra), a high school senior and daughter of middle-class, traditional Sikh Indian parents who have resided in Britain for 20 years. She has a British accent; they have Indian accents. They want her to learn to cook, go to college and find a nice Indian husband. She wants to play soccer for England.
Jess always has played soccer, but never on a team. After an impromptu game at the park, 19-year-old Jules (Keira Knightly) recruits Jess for the Hounslow Harriers, a local women’s soccer team. Jess’ parents don’t approve of “sport,” though: Some 15 years earlier Jess’ father faced discrimination from a London cricket club and bears wounds he doesn’t want his daughter to have. Her mother doesn’t care for soccer because women bare their legs indiscriminately.
Jess sneaks out to attend games and practices. She and Jules become better friends and share everything, including crushes. Both become smitten with their young Irish coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers). Both happen to be the best players on their team. So good, in fact, they may want to look into playing in front of a scout, Joe tells them. Thus begins the competition.
The movie is fun because of witty writing and superb acting. There is never a dull moment in Jess’ accent-laden household. The tightly knit Indian community Jess and her family belong to indulges in gossip on a regular basis, providing half the conflict in the film.
“Bend it Like Beckham” revolves around ethnicity and highlights the misunderstandings and clashes between two substantially different cultures. When an Indian friend comes out of the closet to Jess, she barely can speak of the taboo against it: “But … but you’re Indian!” Another scene shows a pre-wedding party held for Jess’ sister, with all attendees wearing traditional dress. A cell phone rings, and the entire group searches their garments for the culprit phone.
The movie embraces Jess’ Indian heritage, too. A wedding party is an all-out bash, featuring food and dozens of jovial faces. The same close-knit society that regularly engages in gossip also provides profound support to its members.
That support seems necessary for Jess to continue and actually live her dream. The movie title references Jess’ idol, premier English soccer player David Beckham.
“Who cares about cooking when one can bend a ball like Beckham?” Jess argues.
What she learns by the end of the film is more important than whether or not she can play soccer.
She must learn of compromise and empathy if she is to live out her dream. She must learn to be persistent without being selfish and to embrace one’s culture for what it is, then advance from there.